Strawberry Spinach Salad

I've now had a few "nudges" to post this recipe so I suppose I should share it. :)

I made this salad for Gloria's party last weekend. Her party was strawberry-themed so this salad was perfect to offer as a food choice. To be honest, I got the recipe from work so I can't take credit for it. They had a luncheon a few weeks back and sent around the recipe because everyone loved it! As soon as I had some at the luncheon, I knew I was going to make it for G's party. Now its time for me to share it with you! :) Super easy and a big hit!

I doubled this recipe to make enough for about 20 adults and it was perfect. So this amount would feed a family very comfortably and still have some leftover.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Baby Spinach (one package)
Sliced Strawberries (1 Pint or you can use more like I did because you can never have enough strawberries!)

Dressing

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp Sesame Seeds
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp poppy seeds
1 1/2 tsp minced onion

Whisk together

You can either pour the dressing over the salad, toss and serve. Or...you can do what I did and serve it in a bowl next to the salad so people can take what they want.

This is an amazing summer salad recipe and I love that it is different and has strawberries! AND its fairly good for you. Minus the half cup of sugar. :)

Something Sweet

I'm really excited about strawberry season coming around soon! Strawberries are my ultimate favorite fruit! Always have been. I'm hoping that this year I'll get to pick some. Of course, I say this every year.

Any hoo, I thought I'd share a strawberry recipe for those of you who are big fans of this summery fruit also! I made this pie last Wednesday for Easter dinner at our house. It was my Grandma LaPlante's recipe and its delish! Sweet, but OH SO YUMMY! It would be even better with fresh strawberries. :) Enjoy!

French Strawberry Pie
From the kitchen of Gloria LaPlante

1 baked 9" pie crust
1 quart strawberries
8 oz lite cream cheese
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
3 T cornstarch
1 T lemon juice
1/4 cup confectioner's sugar

Beat cream cheese with confectioner's sugar until smooth and spread over bottom of pie shell.

Stand half of the berries in shell with tips up. Mash rest of berries, measure and add water to make 1 1/2 cups.

Mix granulated sugar and cornstarch in saucepan, stir in strawberry mixed with lemon juice. Cook, stirring until thick and clear. Stir in a few drops of red food coloring if desired. Remove from heat and cool for 10-15 minutes, pour over berries in the shell. Chill about 3 hours until firm. Serve with whipped cream.

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

You will love these pancakes!! I keep meaning to post this recipe. Its been a favorite of ours for quite some time. Its a healthier alternative to regular pancakes and the kids will love them! :) They are very filling too, a satisfying way to start the day. It is my grandma Sund's recipe. Delicious!

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups oats
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 Teaspoon salt
1 Egg, beaten
1 1/2 cups milk (although I only use 1 1/4 cups, depends on how thin or thick you want them)
1 banana, mashed

Mix all dry ingredients. Beat egg in separate bowl, add mashed banana and milk. Combine egg/banana mixture to dry ingredients. Mix well. Spoon 1/4 cup batter onto heated skillet. Yields about 10 to 12 pancakes.

And, of course, serve with real maple syrup! None of that "fake" stuff! :)

I hope you'll enjoy it!